To those who reload spent ammunition cases, the cases fall into two basic classifications: Boxer or Berdan. This refers to the type of primer used to ignite the powder charge. The two types are pretty much the same except that Boxer primed cases have a single, central hole in the primer pocket; while Berdan cases have a pair of offset holes with a central protrusion. The offset holes make it more difficult to remove the spent primer. Military ammo also has a crimp around the perimeter of the primer and while swaging dies exist to remove the crimp from Boxer cases, the protrusion prevents their use on Berdan cases.
- Berdan decapper
- Small knife with a blunt tip (the "spey" blade of a stockman's style pocketknife is ideal)
- Priming tool
Show More
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove the primer by whatever means you have. Common methods include a lever tool which pops the primer out from the outside of the case and a decapper die with an offset pin to punch the primer out from inside.
-
2
Hold the case in your weak hand, base up. Hold the knife in your strong hand and cut around the edge of the primer pocket at about a 45-degree angle. When you are finished, the edge should have a noticeable bevel.
-
-
3
Tap the case on the workbench top to remove any metal shavings and use any normal priming tool to seat the new primer.
